The objective of mediation is to provide a supportive structure for two parties in disagreement to get together to try and agree a way forward which will enable them to restore a positive and productive working relationship. In order to reach agreement, the parties must be willing and able to engage fully and openly in the process, which is completely confidential. The University's internal mediators are members of staff, drawn from a variety of backgrounds and roles throughout the University who, as volunteers, have received training in mediation skills in order to assist with the resolution of difficulties between individual members of staff.